SeaWorld Orlando (SWO) Discussion Thread

[larrygator]

Looks like I'll finally get back to Orlando and SeaWorld to ride Mako in two weeks.

[coasterfreak101]

Yeah, count me in for the Kraken praise. That 0-G is one of the best out there, without a doubt.

[coasterbill]

Kraken is fun but I think it's a little overrated. It rides just like every other floorless to me. They all kind of blend together and the only two that stand out at all for me are Dominator and Rougarou.

[Genx24]

I was pretty disappointed by Kraken. Very intense and pretty smooth, but I got boxed around in the OTSRs and felt a noticeable vibration that distracted me from the ride experience. I went into SeaWorld thinking I'd like Kraken more than Manta and left with the opposite opinion. Hopefully when I return to Orlando in November I can get another spin to see if anything changed (and to get on Mako)

[chickenbowl]

Kraken is fun but I think it's a little overrated. It rides just like every other floorless to me. They all kind of blend together and the only two that stand out at all for me are Dominator and Rougarou.

 

That's funny, I find those two to be some of the weaker floorless! Krypton Coaster, Kraken, Medusa West, and Wildfire (admit it, it's a floorless ) are the only ones that stood out to me!

[coasterbill]

Rougarou is weak in the front but pretty solid in the back row. I feel the same way about Dominator which in the last row has the best first drop I've experienced on a floorless. I know I'm in the minority with Rougarou though.

[Password121]

Rougarou is weak in the front but pretty solid in the back row. I feel the same way about Dominator which in the last row has the best first drop I've experienced on a floorless. I know I'm in the minority with Rougarou though.

I felt exactly the same way and I've mentioned it before but most people disagree. I thought the back was both smoother and more intense. Dominator is also much better in the back and I love the first drop and coming off the mid-course but unlike Rougarou I don't think the front is "worse" in a sense, it's just what you'd expect. It's very smooth in every seat.

[chickenbowl]

Rougarou is weak in the front but pretty solid in the back row. I feel the same way about Dominator which in the last row has the best first drop I've experienced on a floorless. I know I'm in the minority with Rougarou though.

 

That must've been it! I typically ride floorless in the front (Just like inverts) and after one ride on Rougarou (HUGE improvement to Mantis btw) in the front row, I said "Hey, that was really enjoyable" but felt no need to ride it again (I had fastlane for Maverick ).

 

I also greatly prefer the straight drops on floorless in the back to the curved drops. Wildfire is especially amazing in the back row!

[DILinator]

Kraken is fun but I think it's a little overrated. It rides just like every other floorless to me. They all kind of blend together and the only two that stand out at all for me are Dominator and Rougarou.

 

Heresy!!!

 

Kraken is far and away the most unique Floorless coaster, taking into account its location, the multiple underground tunnels, and its perfect execution of elements! Overrated??? Most people would say Dominator and Krypton Coaster are better, so even though I disagree with that valuation, I think it's hard to say Kraken is overrated. I have it in my top 10 (of over 230), and I stand by that ranking! I'm a huge fan of the Floorless coaster model as well, ranking the aforementied Dominator and Krypton Coaster very highly in my personal ranks. But while Dominator excels at being just a basic, awesome layout (with killer rides in the back row), and Krypton Coaster has the unique topography and huge vertical loop, I feel Kraken does everything well layout wise, and then adds the fabulous tunnels and setting to give it an edge up! To each their own, but I simply don't see how anybody could say it's just like "every other floorless", when it has such clear distinctives that set it apart.

[CPmillenia94]

Also kraken has probably the smoothest of all the "snappy" b&m cobra rolls.. just sayin'!

[Ed Farmer]

I was pretty disappointed by Kraken. Very intense and pretty smooth, but I got boxed around in the OTSRs and felt a noticeable vibration that distracted me from the ride experience

We share that disappointment, but all of my rides have been the opposite- immaculately smooth but sorely lacking in the forces department.

Edited August 3, 2016 by Ed Farmer

[coasterbill]

Kraken is fun but I think it's a little overrated. It rides just like every other floorless to me. They all kind of blend together and the only two that stand out at all for me are Dominator and Rougarou.

 

Heresy!!!

 

Kraken is far and away the most unique Floorless coaster, taking into account its location, the multiple underground tunnels, and its perfect execution of elements! Overrated??? Most people would say Dominator and Krypton Coaster are better, so even though I disagree with that valuation, I think it's hard to say Kraken is overrated. I have it in my top 10 (of over 230), and I stand by that ranking! I'm a huge fan of the Floorless coaster model as well, ranking the aforementied Dominator and Krypton Coaster very highly in my personal ranks. But while Dominator excels at being just a basic, awesome layout (with killer rides in the back row), and Krypton Coaster has the unique topography and huge vertical loop, I feel Kraken does everything well layout wise, and then adds the fabulous tunnels and setting to give it an edge up! To each their own, but I simply don't see how anybody could say it's just like "every other floorless", when it has such clear distinctives that set it apart.

 

Fair enough. I wish I could see what other people see in it but to me the just all blend together. It could be that we generally do Busch Tampa and Sea World back to back and I'm subconsciously comparing it to Kumba... I'm not sure.

 

And I can't believe I'm praising this coaster but I would actually give the title of "most unique" floorless coaster to Hydra. While the ride experience is very forgettable, you can't really argue that a floorless that starts out with 3 consecutive barrel rolls, does a barrel roll before the lift hill, has a first element that doesn't invert, has no midcourse and ends with a single corkscrew is really unique. B&M broke the mold entirely with Hydra but sadly it didn't really translate into an amazing ride.

[Ed Farmer]

Hydra is the first one that pops into my mind when it comes to "unique B&M". In Hydra's case, hopefully it's kept that way.

[cfc]

^In that case, "unique" doesn't translate to "good."

[boldikus]

Granted I haven't ridden Dominator or Kraken, hoping to change that by the end of this year, but here is my contribution to this floorless conversation.

[coasterfreak101]

And I can't believe I'm praising this coaster but I would actually give the title of "most unique" floorless coaster to Hydra. While the ride experience is very forgettable, you can't really argue that a floorless that starts out with 3 consecutive barrel rolls, does a barrel roll before the lift hill, has a first element that doesn't invert, has no midcourse and ends with a single corkscrew is really unique. B&M broke the mold entirely with Hydra but sadly it didn't really translate into an amazing ride.

Dominator is up there, too. It's one of the few floorless coasters that doesn't follow the loop-dive loop-barrel roll-cobra roll-corkscrew-corkscrew model. Hair Raiser is another solid example, if you're looking for a unique layout.

[DirkFunk]

I honestly don't get people's aversion to Hydra. Just baffles the hell out of me. Not rough, weird layout, physically feels like something is happening to you; they could have built a Intamin invert that can't run in a slight breeze or Gerstlauer anything with OTSRs and had something hideous instead on that spot (again).

 

Going back to Kraken - it isn't "original B&M" to me at all in that it really doesn't offer any specific elements that is unique, but kinda collects a lot of greatest hits things and puts them together competently. God, it isn't like they got B:TDK from SFNE there.

[DILinator]

And I can't believe I'm praising this coaster but I would actually give the title of "most unique" floorless coaster to Hydra. While the ride experience is very forgettable, you can't really argue that a floorless that starts out with 3 consecutive barrel rolls, does a barrel roll before the lift hill, has a first element that doesn't invert, has no midcourse and ends with a single corkscrew is really unique. B&M broke the mold entirely with Hydra but sadly it didn't really translate into an amazing ride.

 

See, that is pretty much the only stateside B&M Floorless I haven't ridden (besides Medusa at SFDK), and my love of Floorless coasters is why I've been excited to finally get to Dorney! That is, until hearing from pretty much everybody who has been to Dorney that it's lame, and that Hydra is a disappointment! Still want to get there and ride it before long though!

[Password121]

I'm actually really excited to ride Hydra. Not excited in the traditional sense, i.e. expecting a decent-to-good ride, but excited in the sense of seeing what all the talk is about, i.e. the world's most mediocre B&M.

[prozach626]

Medusa in its first year at SFGadv was awesome when I had very minimal coaster experience. Aside from that, Superman at SFFT is the only floorless coaster that has ever made an impression on me. However, that could have been in part due to the fact that the park didn't have much else to offer, since that was before a certain iron horse coaster was at the park.

 

On another note, Emily decided she wants to spend a day at sea world next week, as opposed to a few hours. Probably a good call. Our agenda has been updated to go to BGT on Saturday night (8/13) when we get to into the Tampa area from Atlanta, which will probably be around 3-4. On Sunday we'll go to Sea World, and on Monday we'll be back at BGT all day. Any advice or words of wisdom for hitting the park late in the season on a Sunday? I'm looking forward to several rides on Mako.

[coasterbill]

I love Sea World because you really don't need a strategy. It's a great park to take it slow, sit by the lake, have a few drinks and do things at your own pace.

 

If you're into the shows (which I'm usually not but Sea World is really a show type of park), just plan your day around those. My only suggestion would be to go to Antarctica first if you want to ride it but that ride sucks and I'd suggest just waiting in the "non riders" line because it's much shorter and the exhibit is the only thing worth seeing anyway.

 

I feel the same way about Wild Arctic. If the line for the simulator is any longer just skip it. It's terrible and dated but worth going inside to see the Belugas.

[prozach626]

Sounds great. We're not show people either, but we make exceptions for animal shows and exhibits. Outside of those exceptions, we find bad teenage acting, trendy dancing to bad pop music, and corny plots very annoying.

 

Does anyone have any idea what kind of crowds we can expect?

[coasterbill]

Sounds great. We're not show people either, but we make exceptions for animal shows and exhibits. Outside of those exceptions, we find bad teenage acting, trendy dancing to bad pop music, and corny plots very annoying.

 

Does anyone have any idea what kind of crowds we can expect?

 

Yeah we're the same way. The only shows we watch are animals shows. Two tips regarding that. 1) Iceploration at Busch Gardens Tampa (since you're going there) claims to have animals but it absolutely sucks. I'm pretty sure the only animals are some birds and a couple of Siberian Huskies. Do not watch this show. They have another indoor, air conditioned animal show in Pantopia and that's much better (though Corny as hell), the simple Cheetah and Elephant presentations are great.

 

Also, while I highly recommend Sea Lion High because of how incredibly well trained the Sea Lions are, it's amazingly corny and the jokes might give you douche chills. The Dolphin show and One Ocean aren't corny at all.

 

Crowds are usually really manageable. I've never had a problem with lines at Sea World other than Antarctica. Manta might get a long line but the queue is so cool that I don't mind at all.

[jedimaster1227]

http://www.seaworldinvestors.com/news-releases/news-release-details/2016/SeaWorld-Entertainment-Inc-Reports-First-Half-2016-Results/default.aspx

 

"While implementation of our plan through the first half of 2016 is delivering early indications of progress outside of Florida, second quarter overall was below expectations we shared in May, primarily due to an accelerated decline in Latin American guests at our Florida park locations, an overall downturn in the Orlando market in the latter half of June, and the impact of Tropical Storm Colin. Latin American attendance is down approximately 40%, or 235,000 guests year-to-date," said Joel Manby, President and Chief Executive Officer of the company.

 

"Although we are disappointed with the factors affecting our 2016 outlook, particularly in Florida, we are encouraged by some positive indicators at our other park locations. For the first half of 2016, revenue in Texas is up approximately 2% compared to a decline of 17% in the same period last year. California continued to improve, and revenue was down 2% for the first half compared to a decline of 8% in the same period last year," Manby continued.

 

"In addition to the improving trends in California and Texas, SG&A expenses excluding non-cash equity compensation were down, and our reputation campaign is resonating, based on recent positive survey results. Early indications for the third quarter have also been encouraging as our new rides are receiving positive reviews and have contributed to year-over-year attendance gains in Florida for July.

 

"Our focus remains on implementing and delivering on our strategic plan of creating experiences that matter, providing distinct guest experiences that are fun and meaningful; driving organic and strategic revenue growth, addressing our challenges and operating with financial discipline. Though effecting the turnaround will take time, we are making progress and continue to take the actions necessary to return to sustainable growth," Manby added.

 

[1] This earnings release includes several metrics, including Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income (Loss), Adjusted Net Income (Loss) per Diluted Share and Free Cash Flow that are not calculated in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the U.S. ("GAAP"). See "Statement Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section and the financial statement tables for the definitions of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income (Loss), Adjusted Net Income (Loss) per Diluted Share, Free Cash Flow and the reconciliation to their respective most comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Also, see "Guidance" section for the company's reasoning for not reconciling the forward-looking Adjusted EBITDA guidance range included in this earnings release.

 

First Half 2016 Results

 

During the first half of 2016, the company generated revenue of $591.4 million, a decrease of $14.8 million, or 2%, compared to the same period in 2015. The company generated a net loss for the first half of 2016 of $66.3 million, or a loss of $0.78 per diluted share, and an Adjusted Net Loss of $31.5 million, or a loss of $0.37 per diluted share. For the first half of 2015, the company generated a net loss of $37.8 million, or a loss of $0.44 per diluted share, and an Adjusted Net Loss of $24.8 million or a loss of $0.29 per diluted share.

 

Adjusted EBITDA in the first half of 2016 was $77.8 million, a decrease of $18.5 million, or 19%, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $96.3 million in the same period of 2015. Net cash flow provided by operating activities was $111.7 million in the first half of 2016 compared to $142.1 million in the first half of 2015.

 

The decrease in revenue was driven by a 4.2% decline in attendance and was partially offset by a 1.9% increase in total revenue per capita (total revenue divided by attendance). Attendance in the first half of 2016 declined by approximately 411,000 guests, or 4.2%, primarily due to weakness at the company's Florida park locations. Excluding Florida, total attendance at all other park locations increased by 67,000 guests. The company believes that the weakness in Florida is attributable primarily to the following factors: (i) a decline in international attendance, particularly from the Latin America market which was down by approximately 235,000 guests; (ii) an overall softness in demand in the Orlando market as evidenced by a decline in local and passholder attendance at the company's Orlando parks in the first half of 2016, and reduced hotel occupancy at Orlando-area hotels in the latter half of June; and (iii) adverse weather impacts due to the effects of Tropical Storm Colin in June. The company believes the decline in passholder attendance at its SeaWorld Orlando park resulted from a decrease in season pass sales due to less discounting on season pass products for 2016, as compared to the first half of 2015. To address some of these issues, the company has introduced strategic season pass promotions along with other ticket offers and have kicked off a new summer event at SeaWorld Orlando to help drive demand for this park for the third quarter. In addition, two highly anticipated new attractions, Mako and Cobra's Curse, opened in mid-June.

 

Total revenue per capita improved to $63.72 in the first half of 2016 from $62.55 in the first half of 2015. Admission per capita (admissions revenue divided by attendance) increased by 0.4% to $38.89 from $38.72 in the prior year period. In-park per capita spending (food, merchandise and other revenue divided by attendance) increased to $24.83 in the first half of 2016, from $23.83 in the same period of 2015, primarily due to increased sales of the company's in-park products, such as all day dining packages and front of the line "Quick Queue" access.

 

Second Quarter 2016 Results

 

Second quarter results were negatively impacted by the earlier timing of Easter and the later timing of Memorial Day in 2016, as compared to the timing of such holidays in 2015. During the second quarter of 2016, the company generated revenue of $371.1 million, a decrease of $20.5 million, or 5%, compared to the second quarter of 2015. The company reported net income of $17.8 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, and Adjusted Net Income of $18.0 million, or $0.21 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2016. In the second quarter of 2015, the company generated net income of $5.8 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, and Adjusted Net Income of $18.7 million, or $0.22 per diluted share.

 

Adjusted EBITDA, was $83.8 million, a decrease of $16.4 million, or 16%, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $100.2 million in the second quarter of 2015. Net cash provided by operating activities was $79.5 million in the second quarter of 2016 compared to $104.4 million in the prior year second quarter.

 

Attendance in the second quarter decreased by approximately 494,000 guests, or 7.6%, primarily due to a decline at the company's Florida park locations, along with the negative impact of an earlier Easter and a later Memorial Day in 2016 on the company's seasonal parks. The company believes that the weakness in Florida is attributable primarily to factors discussed in the previous section. Attendance from the Latin America market was down by approximately 127,000 guests for the second quarter. Excluding Florida, total attendance at all other park locations decreased by 202,000 guests due almost entirely to a decline at the company's Virginia park locations, which are seasonal parks, resulting from the holiday calendar shift.

 

Total revenue per capita improved to $62.02 in the second quarter of 2016 compared to $60.45 in the prior year second quarter. Admission per capita increased by 1.7% to $37.43 in the second quarter of 2016 from $36.81 in the prior year second quarter. In-park per capita spending increased by 4.0% to $24.59 in the second quarter of 2016, from $23.64 in the prior year second quarter, primarily due to increased sales of the company's in-park products, such as all day dining packages and front of the line "Quick Queue" access.

Edited August 4, 2016 by jedimaster1227

[bert425]

Sounds great. We're not show people either, but we make exceptions for animal shows and exhibits. Outside of those exceptions, we find bad teenage acting, trendy dancing to bad pop music, and corny plots very annoying.

 

 

if that's the case, avoid "opening night pets" at BGT. Actually, most of the shows at BGT

 

I'd recommend "Iceploration" at BGT tho. . because the costumes, Ice Skating, and trampoline monkeys are worth seeing. . but yeah, bad teenage acting and corny plot is in this show. . still worth going to see tho.

 

as to SeaWorld: I'd also say don't miss the two "hidden" aquariums -- one is by Manta (with the octopus) and one is by Journey to Atlantis (with the Jellyfish).

 

we didn't realize until we were home that we had missed the Jellyfish one

 

EDIT: and as we were just in Tampa a few weeks ago, and spent multiple days at BGT, and a full day at SeaWorld. . I'll point to my trip report again, as that might give you some good ideas, as well as LOTs of pics.

 

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=72163

 

.

Edited August 4, 2016 by bert425